I Tried Sugar-Free Liquid IV So You Don’t Have To (But You Should, Because It’s Great!)

I’ve briefly mentioned Liquid IV before, and my typical usage would involve putting a sachet in one (of two) of my water bottles I keep on my bike during workouts. I’d drink my Liquid IV water first, then move on to plain water. It was like a nice little boost to get me through the first half of my workout, and I really think it made me feel better both during and after my ride.

I’d only drink Liquid IV sparingly (maybe one out of every three rides) becasue it seemed like, I don’t know, too much or too decadent to have one every day? The big critique I saw often was that Liquid IV had SO MUCH sugar and I 1) Don’t give a shit how much sugar is in anything, and 2) Have no idea how much sugar is “so much.” A regular sachet of Liquid IV (Lemon Lime flavor) has 11g of sugar. If this means nothing to you like it does to me, here are some comps: The average recommended sugar intake for adults is between 25-38g per day, and the average American consumes about 71g per day. A can of regular Coke has 39g of sugar, a pint of Ben & Jerry’s Half Baked Ice Cream has 111g of sugar, and a Crunchy Peanut Butter Clif Bar has 17g of sugar.

When Sugar Free Liquid IV was announced, it was a big deal! People love talking about how this good product is good but SUGAR NOOOO. MY main concern was if it would taste like chalk, because I know enough about sugar to know it’s what makes things taste good. My Costco had Sugar Free Liquid IV in Lemon Lime (my preferred flavor) on sale, and keeping their generous return policy in mind, I bought a bag. For science!

Here’s my short review: Surprisingly good! It tastes like half of a Liquid IV. A Liquid IV charged to 50%. A regular Liquid IV but it was diluted in one of those huge dispensers on the sidelines of a football field. But now that they use allulose instead of cane sugar, the energizing, hydrating, rejuvenating effects of Liquid IV can be enjoyed by diabetics or anyone looking to limit their sugar intake.

This is especially good for me, because I HAVE started to drink a Liquid IV every day, although not while I’m exercising. I like to fill my 30oz Yeti Rambler (with this third party handle attached) with ice water and add a Liquid IV as my afternoon pick-me-up drink. By 2 or 3pm I know I need to be drinking more water and frankly I need the hydration motivation a fun lil’ bevvy provides. I can and do trick myself into being responsible. If I need a BIG treat, it’s a regular Liquid IV, if I just want the ritual and the added hydration, I go sugar free.